FNSC2200 Lecture 27: 1. Archaeology
Document Summary
Define roles of forensic archaeologist at the crime scene. What information can be gleaned from excavation: whether its of forensic interest, mindset of burying group, circumstances surrounding death. Study the past through the systemic recovery and analysis of material culture (physical remains) A scientific discipline that uses a broad range of methods and techniques. Archaeologists work for the court important to be independent. Is the location and recovery of evidence from forensic contexts using methods based on standard archaeological procedures. Roles of forensic archaeologists: locate human remains, maximize recovery, assess spatial and temporal relationships relative to death / burial / dispersal, differentiating ante/peri/post mortem events, interpret site formation, from scene context. Principles: law of association, law of superposition. How they search: spiral, grid, strip / line, zone / quadrant. Factors affecting preservation: sunlight, soil ph, moisture, flora and fauna, number of bodies in a grave, wrappings, trauma.
